Sunset on the Golden Age review by Alestorm

Sound — 9
Scottish shouting, pirates, lead keyboards, funny... The average metalhead no doubt cringes at the nautical sarcasm of Alestorm. Well, I'll tell you know, this is an album of pure metal genius, and is oozing with originality and sheer enthusiasm! Opening tracks, "Walk the Plank" and "Drink," are immediate favourites, and fun to listen to! The signature Scottish chanting and lead keyboards play throughout the album. However, there seems to be a focus on guitar that was unheard of in previous albums, and melodies that'll leave you head banging at each listen! It's safe to say that musically, Alestorm are stronger than ever before.

Lyrics — 7
Lyrically, the album is... Alestorm! There's no other way to describe it. How one band can come up with such original lyrics on the same subject for SO many songs on pretty much the same subject is beyond me, but they continue to do so. Each word seems to have been selected to fit the theme, and is consistent in the comedic pirate slang. The only downside being that, there's only so far you can show your singing ability while trying to sound like Captain Blackbeard. So his voice is sometimes unpleasing to the ear.

Overall Impression — 9
I love that this album isn't too serious. It's a barrel of laughs throughout. It is far heavier than anything the squires have done in the past, which is also an upside. This album is unlike any music you'll have heard before (if you're new to Alestorm) so diehard Metallica fans, metal as this is, it may not be your cup of tea. "Drink," "Walk the Plank," and "Quest for Ships" steal the show on this album without a doubt. Heavy, tuneful and entertaining. The biggest downside of this album, although a small one, has to be the bonus tracks. Acoustic versions of their earlier songs, and it simply doesn't suit their music. This album is most definitely worth the buy! It's an album that'll keep you coming back for more. An album that never gets old!